Why I Become a Nurse Practitioner

As the great American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” This statement perfectly describes my journey into the nursing field and my decision to further immerse myself in higher education to advance my practice. This literature will portray my trajectory into nursing and explain my goals, interests, and career plans with obtaining my Family Nurse Practitioner degree.

In May 2008, I graduated from Monmouth University and shortly after began my career at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith.

When the opportunity presented itself for a promotion to the trading floor, I jumped at the chance. My previous role as a Mortgage Sales Assistant was stressful and high pace. After being in finance for almost six years, I realized I was coming home after working 12-hour shifts with a feeling of emptiness inside. I did not feel fulfilled as an individual; this was not my path in life. One finds it hard to feel a sense of wholeness in the corporate world because what you are creating is not tangible.

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I started thinking of careers where I could actually help society and make my existence on this earth worthwhile. My prior work ethic and experiences have greatly benefited my nursing practice because time management, multi-tasking skills and the ability to react quickly are detrimental in this field of work.

I’ve been a bedside nurse for a little over 3 years and the amount of knowledge that I’ve acquired working alongside critical patients and experienced practitioners is immense and makes me want to expand my knowledge base even more.

The role of an FNP really catches my interest because the position enables you to work in a variety of settings; whether it is a doctor’s office, a clinic, schools, or hospitals. FNPs place a strong importance on prevention and wellness as well as provide treatment for mild ailments to serious conditions across the lifespan. Being a PACU nurse, the turnover is pretty quick and I’m able to recover patients post surgery until they are optimized to go to the inpatient units. The idea of becoming an FNP really excites me because I will be able to provide more long term care to patients rather than the quick turnover I currently have in the acute care setting. One of the reasons I love being a nurse is because I get to work directly with patients. The FNP role will allow me to continue to work directly with people.

I’ve obtained qualities in my nursing career that will ultimately enable me to provide my patients with the best care as an advanced practitioner. These traits include enthusiasm, optimism, advocacy and great communication skills. There are many times in my current role that I advocate for my patient because they are too weak or are uncomfortable because they are in a hospital setting. Sometimes, language barriers exists and although translating services are available in the hospital, patients seem to feel more comfortable with me when they realize I speak Spanish as well. Communication is critical in healthcare because it allows for optimal patient outcomes.

My goal is to work in a setting such as Planned Parenthood or in a women’s health clinic in an underserved community providing treatment plans, health maintenance, restoration and educating and guiding patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle. A family nurse practitioner has a strong voice in the education of their patients, which can lead to a community that will be able to live happier, longer and healthier lives. The clinic environment really excites me because you are able to truly make a difference in the lives of people of all ages, genders and ethnicities who have a full range of medical problems and at times their own body threatens their survival. Any kind of nursing is challenging, but the position of nurse practitioner has additional responsibilities and exhibiting characteristics such as great communication and listening skills will produce an excellent provider who meets each passing hour and patient with the same attentiveness and empathy as the first.

I would like to pursue my advanced degree at New York University because NYU’s core values and mission are in line with my beliefs. Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity and sustainability. I acquired my BSN at NYU and it gave me the knowledge, excellent clinical experience and challenging course work that tailored me to become the nurse I am today.

In conclusion, my path to reaching my calling wasn’t conventional but that’s what makes me unique and extremely appreciative of going to work every day. The health care environment is ever changing and demands creativity, flexibility and tenacity to get through the day. The additional responsibilities that the position of nurse practitioner entails, increase the need for providers who have been exposed to clarity, advocacy, communication and interpersonal relations. The practice of Medicine is an art, a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your hand. Like Emerson, I’m excited for the possibility of becoming an advanced practitioner and will pursue it with great enthusiasm, determination and passion.

Written by Sophia Nguyen

Updated: Jan 18, 2024

Keep in mind: this is only a sample!

Updated: Jan 18, 2024